Torica (Singer/Songwriter)
Gumbumper.com recently got a chance to interview HOTT singer/songwriter, Torica.
A lot of you may have never heard of Torica but, I’m willing to bet you’ve heard her songs. Torica has proven herself as a dynamic, songwriter and is now on the move with her own career.
Being around and having worked with some of the industry’s heavy weights like Bryan Michael Cox, Brandy, Snoop Dogg & Monica one has to know that she’s got the goods… Well, let’s hear it for Miss Torica in this Gumbumper exclusive!!
Here are two songs from Torica check em out & tell us what you think!
So Miss Lady…
At what age did you first start singing?
I learned to sing before I could talk. My mom told me that one of her sisters who’s a trained opera singer would hum melodies to me as a baby and I would mimic her.
Who inspires you?
My #1 inspiration is my 7-year-old son. I do everything I do for him. Musically, I’m inspired by timeless artist like Sade, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder and in terms of our current generation, Mary J Blige, Beyonce, Neyo, Diane Warren, and Brandy.
Have you ever thought about singing in a group, and not solo?
When I was younger I, like many other artists, formed a group with my friends, which dissolved after a couple years. My work ethic is strong, so I don’t really do well in groups, because everyone doesn’t take it as seriously as I do.
What are your next big projects coming up?
I’m excited to be working on my first studio album, which I’m prepping for a Fall 2011 release. I’m also writing for some upcoming TV & Film projects, as well as constructing an EP/mixtape for summer release.
Who is your favorite R&B singer?
Brandy, hands down!
Who are some of the artists that you’ve worked with?
Monica, Teairra Mari, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, Snoop Dogg, Field Mob, and the list goes on. I’ve been very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with so many artists & producers whose work I admire. It doesn’t even feel like work, I LOVE making music.
What made you realize that getting paid to be a songwriter was what you could do?
When I received my first publishing check -LOL. But I always watched movie credits to see who certain songs were written by and I thought to myself, I can stay relevant in the music business through my pen. Writing a song for another artist opens up so many more doors to licensing, for example, when you hear music in the elevator, somewhere a songwriter is getting a check for that – LOL.
What gives you inspirations?
I’m inspired by own life experiences, things people share with me about their own life, my dreams (yes I wake up out of my sleep when I get ideas – LOL), movies, billboards, commercials, and from observing people from afar and trying to figure out what their story is.
Were there ever any obstacles you faced that made you want to quit?
There is a high level of rejection that you have to deal with in this business that’s not easy to stomach. So, an overwhelming amount of criticism or things not progressing at my desired pace have definitely made me question myself like, “am I fulfilling my purpose or wasting my time?” It’s easy to get discouraged, but I’ve had the blessing of having encouraging friends, family, and colleagues that helped keep me going when I was doubted myself.
Why aren’t you signed?
I have a publishing deal with Bryan Michael Cox and Warner Chappell, but I attribute my not signing a record deal to bad timing and inexperience. When I first started doing music professionally, I was naive about a lot of things, so in hindsight I’m glad I never jumped on a label just because it was offered to me. I’ve had the chance to grow as a writer and an artist, so my invaluable experience has prepared me for handling all the things I’m faced with as a creator.
Tell us who Torica is and what message she wants the world to know about her?
As an artist, I want people to know that I LOVE making music and I want to earn supporters. I don’t want people to buy my music just because I’m promoting it, I want them to know that I take pride in crafting each song with subject matter that they can relate to and hopefully appreciate. It’s important to me that I make music for people to love, cry to, laugh to, make babies to (LOL), and get through a rough patch to.
The message I want to project to the world is that I’m only human just like you, I’m not perfect, I make mistakes, but I just so happen to have the gift of song to help me illustrate my colorful life, the Beautiful Mess that it is. And I want to encourage anyone who’s sitting around thinking or wishing they could fulfill a lifelong dream, to start taking steps to achieve it, no matter how impossible it may seem. Talent, hard work, dedication, and ambition are all you need to reach a goal…and a little money doesn’t hurt either (LOL).
What was it like working with Jermaine Dupri?
JD and I have only worked together indirectly through the work I’ve done with Nitti Beats and Bryan Michael Cox. I do respect his resume and business acumen. Hopefully I can give you a different answer to this question soon.
Are there any artists you see yourself like? And why?
While no artists wants to compare themselves to anyone (it’s just a weird creative people thing –LOL), I can definitely identify with Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Brandy, Rihanna, & SWV.
Well, it was great talking with this incredibly talented young lady and we hope you’ve enjoyed this interview! Torica is on the rise and GRIND!!! Keep your eyes and ears open!
Gumbumper brace yourselves for what’s to come… Next week, we’ll be featuring Mr. Baby Boy himself… Tyrese!!!
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